Queensland Workers’ Compensation Self Insurers’ Association (QWCSIA) position in respect to the Productivity Commission’s Interim Report recommendations. 

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the Interim Report on a National Workers Compensation Scheme.

We would firstly like to advise that the position put forward in the National Council of Self Insurers’ response to the Interim Report does not reflect the position of all members of the QWCSIA. There are differing and diverse views within our Association on a National Scheme. 

Concerns have been expressed by a number of members in relation to the potential negative impact of a national scheme for Queensland based self insurers. 

A concern has been raised by some members on running two congruent schemes (one national optional scheme and one state based scheme), namely the confusion for service providers and workers if payment structures, costs and entitlements are different.

As a matter of importance it is felt that any move towards national options or consistency should have primary regard for equality for national as well as state based self insurers. 

The financial performance of the Queensland Scheme should be considered at length if national consistency is an option thus ensuring stakeholders in the Queensland Scheme are not disadvantaged in any way.

We do however have broad agreement on the concept of a national licensing standard or mutual recognition arrangement and that this arrangement must be voluntary.

QWCSIA
30/01/04